Women's Volleyball

2002 Outlook

Sep 18, 2002

Sept. 18, 2002

Coming off a stellar year on the court, Brown volleyball looks to build upon last season's success. The Bears posted an impressive 11-3 record in the Ivy League, including a 7-0 conference record at home, on their way to a share of the 2001 Ivy League Regular season title with Penn. With much of last year's team on the roster, Brown looks to repeat as Ivy champions and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The Bears spent the early part of 2001 participating in a number of tournaments, including a four-match invitational at the University of San Diego. Despite dropping three out of four matches at that tournament, the Bears returned to Providence, having gained valuable experience from the competition.

The Brown attack was solid last season, as the Bears led the Ivy League in assists, with 1,380/ 14.53pg and kills, with 1,502/15.82pg. Brown will have to compensate for the loss of last year's Ivy League Player of the Year, Corre Myer '02. Myer was a mainstay on the Brown attack for four years. Myer ended her career as Brown's all-time career assist leader.

Four seniors will lead the Bears this season, as the class of 2003 is choc full of talent, experience, and leadership, which is the perfect equation for success in 2002. Leading the way is senior Jessie Cooper. The All-Ivy senior from Tustin, CA saw action in every game last season, leading the Bears in hitting percentage, with .246. She also led the team in blocks, with 91, including 31 solos. Her 816 career kills ranks 5th on Brown's all-time leading kills list.

After undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer of 2001, senior Ceneca Calvert (Irvine, CA) displayed a solid work ethic throughout the season and emerged as one of Brown's most consistent performers. Calvert came on strong towards the latter half of 2001, posting four double-doubles in Brown's final six matches of the season.

Senior Aneal Helms (Falbrook, CA) returns for her final season with the Bears. Helms rose as one of Brown's consistent players last season, maintaining a .237%, and rankled 2nd on the team in blocks. Senior Angela Dunn (Katy, TX) was a solid defensive presence, ranking 3rd on the team in blocks with 31, with 26 solos. She also recorded 167 digs on the season. Dunn was named an Academic All-Ivy player last season, as well.

The Bears will look to junior Leslie Meller (Beverly Hills, CA) and sophomore Courtney Hull (Chicago, IL) to fill Myer's void at the setter position. Meller appeared in 53 games on 17 matches, as Brown often times used a two setter format. The rotation was a very successful one for the Bears, as Meller gained experience last season, which should only help Brown's attack in 2002.

In addition to Meller, Coach Short will rely heavily upon junior Kim Highlund (Newark, CA) and sophomore Elvina Kung (Dix Hills, NY) for solid, consistent play. Both have strong defensive games, while Kung will also contribute on offense. Highlund saw action in 102 games last season, and was tied for first on the team in digs, averaging 2.88per game. She also posted double figures in digs fifteen times last year. Kung had an impressive rookie campaign, as she appeared in all 27 matches for Brown, and ranked 3rd on the team in digs, with 13 double-digit dig outings.

The Bears will receive upper classman leadership from junior Adriana Lopez (Brownsville, TX) who played junior varsity for Brown in 2001. Also from senior Alexis Malepeai (Pocatello, ID) who saw limited action in 2001, appearing in 19 games, on 8 matches played. Malepeai recorded 25 kills on the 2001 season. She spent her freshman year as a member of the junior varsity soccer team and her sophomore year with the junior varsity volleyball team. Both were invited to practice with the varsity team during spring training after impressing the coaching staff during their junior varsity tenure.